[quote name='SrFireOfficial' date='04 July 2010 - 06:28 PM' timestamp='1278281320' post='390740']
I respect your opinion on the 111 mirrors and I sent you a private message on that subject. I think they are here to stay unless somebody comes up with another option. Some FDs have opted for West Coast-style mirrors with the Impel/Velocity cab but that option in VA makes the rig too wide to be legally on the road and we all know how much Mother Fairfax loves to be in compliance (when it's convenient?!?!)
As for ladder trucks that bend in the middle, my two cents.
I was hired in 1984 and the majority of ladder trucks in the FRD fleet were tractor-drawn Seagrave, spanning an age range from 1960-something to early 1980 something. I challenge you to park the oldest tiller FXCO bought next to the last tiller we bought and note the changes in size. Now, pull up one of the 21st century brand new tillers and make the size comparison. I'm sure the newest will dwarf the older ones and I will confidently say that anything that is gained in maneuverability with having the tillerman (so much for my PC'ness today) will be lost in the overall size of the vehicle. And for us to enjoy the features we are fond of on our rear-mount aerials (huge tip load, pre-piped waterways) will force us into the humongous category of tractor drawn aerials. The cramp angle for the steering on the RMs improves their overall maneuverability to a level where they will give a TDA a fair amount of competition and allows the officer and firefighter to be ready to go to work as soon as the maxibrake is applied.
If we want a realistic TDA, we would have to go with the DCFD spec and give up some of our capabilities.
[/quote]
SR, A random question but why doesn't the county let the Techs and Master Techs help spec these rigs? Who actually decides what is best for the field? And why don't we have TDAs? 410 and 429 would make the most sence in having TDAs. Just trying to understand how this process works.
As for the Bravo designator, what about an engine that was built as a rescue engine? E421B isn't really RE421? I understand why E422B is a bravo unit becouse it doesn't carry what is needed to be considered a rescue engine. Not arguing just curious.
I respect your opinion on the 111 mirrors and I sent you a private message on that subject. I think they are here to stay unless somebody comes up with another option. Some FDs have opted for West Coast-style mirrors with the Impel/Velocity cab but that option in VA makes the rig too wide to be legally on the road and we all know how much Mother Fairfax loves to be in compliance (when it's convenient?!?!)
As for ladder trucks that bend in the middle, my two cents.
I was hired in 1984 and the majority of ladder trucks in the FRD fleet were tractor-drawn Seagrave, spanning an age range from 1960-something to early 1980 something. I challenge you to park the oldest tiller FXCO bought next to the last tiller we bought and note the changes in size. Now, pull up one of the 21st century brand new tillers and make the size comparison. I'm sure the newest will dwarf the older ones and I will confidently say that anything that is gained in maneuverability with having the tillerman (so much for my PC'ness today) will be lost in the overall size of the vehicle. And for us to enjoy the features we are fond of on our rear-mount aerials (huge tip load, pre-piped waterways) will force us into the humongous category of tractor drawn aerials. The cramp angle for the steering on the RMs improves their overall maneuverability to a level where they will give a TDA a fair amount of competition and allows the officer and firefighter to be ready to go to work as soon as the maxibrake is applied.
If we want a realistic TDA, we would have to go with the DCFD spec and give up some of our capabilities.
[/quote]
SR, A random question but why doesn't the county let the Techs and Master Techs help spec these rigs? Who actually decides what is best for the field? And why don't we have TDAs? 410 and 429 would make the most sence in having TDAs. Just trying to understand how this process works.
As for the Bravo designator, what about an engine that was built as a rescue engine? E421B isn't really RE421? I understand why E422B is a bravo unit becouse it doesn't carry what is needed to be considered a rescue engine. Not arguing just curious.
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